International Relations and National Security Studies at Reed College

Reed College attracts academically talented students—evident in that 1420 SAT average—but peer international relations programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000, paired with an estimated $21,500 in debt. That 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable on paper, though starting at roughly $37K in expensive Portland presents real budget constraints for recent graduates.

The limited data here reflects what's common for smaller, selective liberal arts colleges: too few graduates in any single major to report publicly. Based on comparable programs nationally, these earnings sit right at the median for this field, while other Oregon programs like Portland State show similar outcomes around $30,000. International relations degrees typically serve as stepping stones to graduate school or government positions that value prestige and networks over immediate salary, which Reed's reputation may support.

For parents writing the check, understand you're betting on Reed's academic rigor and alumni connections to open doors that don't show up in first-year salary data. If your child plans graduate school or competitive fellowships where Reed's name carries weight, that pathway could justify the investment. But if they need to service debt immediately after graduation on those estimated mid-30s earnings, the financial pressure will be real—particularly without clear data showing Reed graduates specifically outperform peers in this field.